Will Ben Stokes play in the 2027 IPL?

The world’s richest franchises are ready to pounce if Ben Stokes is given the green light to take his place in the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 2027 auction. Stokes sat out the IPL’s last mega-auction in 2025, missing the Jeddah jamboree in a bid to prolong his international career. That immediately ruled him out of this year’s mini-auction. There is still some confusion over Stokes’ availability for its 2027 equivalent, but if his registration is approved by the BCCI, then the former England captain will not be short of suitors. He has already played for three different IPL franchises – including the Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiants and Chennai Super Kings, who bought him for the 12th highest fee in the tournament’s history for the 2023 edition of the tournament. Chennai Super Kings are thought to be keen on bringing him back to the competition and one leading figure believes that budgets could be blown in order to ensure his return to the world cricket’s most lucrative tournament. Ben Stokes played for Chennai Super Kings in 2023 (Photo: Getty) “He’s a big brand, so Stokes will always attract eyes and opinions,” says one coach who has worked with him in the past. “If the brand is conservative around their image then they may think twice about bringing him in. “But on the field, his runs, wickets and fielding will always be attractive. “In my experience of working with him, his connection to the players – from junior to senior – and his commitment in training bring an energy that not many other cricketers can deliver.” ‘He’s the best there is’ Another put it more succinctly. “Who wouldn’t want him? A lot of teams are struggling to have a captain who is an all-rounder, but he’s pretty much the best there is. From a player perspective and a commercial one, it makes perfect sense.” Next year could be a busy one for a player who is currently enjoying himself in the altogether more sedate environment of the Metro Bank One Day with Durham. Earlier this week, Stokes was also linked with a big-money move to Major League Cricket in the USA. Given the scheduling of the league clashes with next summer’s Ashes, any more across the Atlantic would almost certainly put a definitive end to his England career. Read more Analysis: Cheat or genius? The mystery spinner causing a stir in the Hundred Chris Stocks: All the signs Ben Stokes will make a fairytale Ashes return Elsewhere, the leading runscorer in this year’s T20 Vitality Blast looks set to be rewarded with a new contract. Joe Weatherley – who has now scored more runs at Finals Day than any other player – scored 88 not out in Hampshire’s semi-final win over Nottinghamshire and then smashed 75 as they fell short in the final against Darren Lehmann’s Northamptonshire Steelbacks. Now The i Paper understands that he is set to be offered a new two-year deal at his home county. James Vince, the captain of Hampshire’s T20 side and the former red-ball skipper, is also very close to finalising a new two-year contract with the county. Essex’s Jamie Porter – one of domestic cricket’s great modern one-club players – meanwhile, has not ruled out leaving the county once his current deal expires at the end of next season.